There must be some obscure part of Steve McClaren that would appreciate a taxing night at the Gradski Stadium tonight. After the shooting practice against Greece and Andorra, he seemed to be gearing himself for a far higher level of contest as he prepared variations that may be employed against Macedonia in his first away match as England manager.

The impression is that the only alteration to the starting line-up will see Rio Ferdinand returning from injury at Wes Brown's expense. Much more intriguingly, though, England appeared to be working on alterations that would give the team a more solid, counter-attacking bent if there is a lead to be guarded later in the game.

This strategy would involve Stewart Downing making way for Wayne Bridge, with the Chelsea player slotting in at left-back while Ashley Cole advanced into midfield. Those two players have been paired before, as in the 2-2 draw with Macedonia in 2002, but not in that particular order. Perhaps McClaren envisages a greater threat from Cole on the break.

The other adjustment to the side would be the introduction of Andy Johnson from the bench to take over from Jermain Defoe, as he did last Saturday. The Everton striker's confidence and strong running into the channels against Andorra were appreciated by McClaren. Whatever the precise intentions, the manager's craving for variety and flexibility is clear.

McClaren needs to find out how well England cope with the shifting nature of a genuine challenge. Without that experience he cannot be sure how much work really lies before him. The opposition's record has been erratic, but there is some merit in their ranks. As much as the talent of the Macedonian players, it is the antagonistic mood in the ground that may shake England's poise.

In 2003 there was barracking of England's black players and a spot of flag-burning. "It's going to be a tricky atmosphere," said McClaren. "They are at home and everything is in their favour. We're going to get quite a few things thrown at us."

People will be familiar with the compulsively upbeat tone of a manager perpetually trying to banish any dark thoughts left over from the World Cup. "We have the players, we have the team and if we produce we expect to win," he said. "We're very confident going into the game.

"It's still quite a young squad but it's got good experience, at club level especially. It should handle this situation, no problem. Discipline is the key, especially away in Europe. Some of the things you can't control are opponents, referees, the crowd, the weather, the pitch. You have to cope with all of them and come through it to win. Good teams do that. We're aiming to be a good team, a very good team."

Macedonia have been coached since February by Srecko Katanec, who made such an impact with Slovenia early in this decade. His new charges enjoyed a 1-0 win over Estonia in Tallinn last month at the start of this Euro 2008 group. "They've had 10 days' preparation," McClaren said. "We have quite a bit to contend with and it will be a real test for our players."

Steven Gerrard wins his 50th cap, yet while McClaren appreciates him as "one of those inspirational players" the worth of his team as a unit should be measured in Skopje. To those who found Downing nondescript against Andorra, the manager not only retorts that he swung over twice as many crosses at anyone else, but argued that the winger is productive, too, in making space for Ashley Cole to overlap.

A few players must come under scrutiny. Peter Crouch has enjoyed a spate of goals but now needs to show he can be relied on to score in games that matter. There has been one key contribution, his headed opener against Trinidad & Tobago, and a goal from him could be essential here. England want Defoe to bear a similar responsibility that has not been placed on him to this extent in the past.

The pressure is on McClaren to ensure that his new beginning does not turn into a false start.